SHIRAKAWA-GO, Japan – Yuki Miwa works as a fifth-generation landlady in the Japanese inn, Shiroyamakan, run by her family since 1884.

She overcame many complications to protect her inn and never forgot to show love to her family and customers.

She was the first child born to her warmhearted parents who busily ran their inn in a small town. 

“I was impressed by my parents, but I also dreamed of an ordinary life, and went to university while working in Tokyo,” Miwa said.

However, around 1990, Shiroyamakan was heavily indebted, and her mother became depressed while Yuki was in Tokyo. “I was debating, but I wanted to help them so badly and decided to return there,” Miwa said.

“I had a hard time, but I committed I would frantically do everything possible,” Miwa stated. “I continuously changed the inn’s financial plan and introduced new services.” 

Meanwhile, her husband, whom she had just married, and her siblings started working together, and their teamwork began to make her parents and the business better. 

She worked hard to make her family always get along well. 

“We sometimes have different values, but I try to make adjustments, having love for them as companions,” she stated. “Also, I made playing spaces inside for my children and niece, so they don’t feel alone and can enjoy greeting customers.”

Moreover, she always asks herself whether she communicates to customers with love. She said, “Depending on having love, we can say words curtly or kindly, listening to each customer’s stories differently.”

She writes every day about her customers in her diary to treat returning customers warmly, mainly hearing their information while serving dinner.

“Furthermore, we always focus on making great memories for customers because memories will remain in their heart forever,” Miwa stated. “The popular plan is my father’s free local van tour. Also, looking after customers’ small children to let parents reminisce about their dating pleased customers.”

Those efforts even overcame decreasing tourists resulting from COVID-19.

 “We asked everybody to donate by using crowdfunding with a $30,000 goal, but we unexpectedly received $50,000,” she said. “I didn’t see customer’s appreciation as a number before, but I definitely learned how compassionate interactions are crucial.”

“During the pandemic, as my family supported each other, I want to make a place where customers who feel that they can’t overcome their situation can heal themselves.”

Miwa bloomed where she was planted.